Rapid Prototyping for 360p Housing

[blueblizzard7]

I have access to a standard rapid prototyping machine (3d printer). It uses a plastic base and feeds it out in a very thin line and works from the bottom up.

What are peoples opinions on this technique being used as housing for a Xbox 360 laptop?

[bassmasta]

My dad used to sell those (3D Printers). They're pretty mindblowing, if you ask me.
Is it using ABS plastic?

[snowpenguin]

My experience with 3d printers is that they do what they're made for well and not much else: prototyping. The finished products usually are not very strong, and would need to be sanded to remove all the evidence of layers left over. I've seen finished parts out of 3d printers, and I've had some break apart in my hands.

I wouldn't suggest it as a casing method.

[limpport]

I don't remember who, but someone made a pretty awesome N64 portable with a RP machine.

[DanShort]

3D printing is just a method, it isn't an indication of strength. It is entirely possible to have a very strong object printed from a 3D printer, you just need to do your research. Also, when you're sending something to a 3D printer, if you're sending it from a surface modelling program like Rhino for example, you have to give it a thickness. Common practice is to give just the minimum thickness needed for a prototype, hence the weakness of allot of prototypes under any kind of stress.

If you have the resources (either money, or kindness of a prototyping / model making specialist) then simply specify a good thickness. They will be able to advise you based on their machine and the material / technique it uses, usually the machines have dedicated operators who know LOTS. bare in mind though, it can be very expensive. Ask if they will sponsor you, often big companies will consider it depending on the reason for your project. They tend to agree if it's a student project.

As for sanding, yes, of course you will have to but it's a labor of love and the finish can be excellent if you paint it properly.

Tip for painting object from 3d printer: sand with a course paper until you have the major evidence that it was printed (they often looks like contours off a map on the surface), then spray with spray filler. Then sand with a finer grain until the surface is flat and the filler fills the surface nicely. then primer it if need be and paint. Sanding in stages and using spray filler more than once after a sanding session can give you a surface you can see your reflection in. Don't forget to use progressively finer paper, and for the final sanding do it with a bit of water.

hope this helps!

p.s - if you have an opportunity to use an RP machine, don't waste it! You can do some incredibly detailed pieces - no limitations on details or form. Just make sure that it's thicker in the right places.

[griehm]

Dam. I wish. don't have enough for one of those babies. anyone willing to make me a case?